A series of executive and board-level appointments has been announced across the Australian insurance sector, spanning life and general insurance, cyber insurance, and legal services.
Zurich Financial Services Australia has appointed Alexis George as an independent non-executive director to its board, effective August 10, 2026, according to a company announcement. George brings more than 30 years of financial services experience to the role, having most recently served as chief executive officer of AMP. Prior to that, she held several senior positions at ANZ, including deputy chief executive officer, group executive of Wealth Australia, and global managing director of Insurance for ANZ Wealth. She also held executive roles at ING Group across Asia-Pacific and Europe.
The appointment follows the resignation of John Mulcahy, who served on the board since 2017 and previously led Suncorp as chief executive officer. Geoff Summerhayes, chair of Zurich, said the incoming director’s background positions her well for the company’s current trajectory. “She brings exceptional depth and breadth of experience to the role, and her insights will be invaluable as the organisation continues to grow and evolve across Australia and New Zealand,” Summerhayes said, also acknowledging Mulcahy’s “contribution to Zurich for close to a decade.”
Chief executive officer Justin Delaney noted that George “has led large organisations through significant change” and described her as “purpose-led with a clear focus on improving customer outcomes and strengthening internal culture.” George said she was drawn to the business’s market position. “The business is growing rapidly and occupies a unique position as Australia’s only major composite insurer – offering both life and general insurance products. Zurich is making considered investments in a number of core capabilities, including technology, partnerships, and its people,” George said.
George joins existing non-executive directors Summerhayes, Noel Condon, Matthew Reilly, Nicolette Rubinsztein, and Mary Waldron and also sits on the boards of Zurich’s life insurance and general insurance entities in Australia. Zurich Financial Services Australia has operated in the Australian market since 1920 and, following its acquisition of OnePath Life from ANZ in 2019, provides life insurance to more than 1.5 million Australian customers under the Zurich and OnePath Life brands.
AI-native cyber and specialty insurer Cowbell has named Ellen Brookes as claims specialist for Australia, according to a company statement. Brookes is based in Sydney and will support Australian policyholders across the full lifecycle of cyber claims, working with brokers, insureds, and incident response partners. Brookes joins from Canopius Group, where she led the cyber incident management team for the Asia-Pacific region for three years, managing complex cyber incidents for multinational organisations. Her background includes cyber claims management, incident response strategy, privacy, and regulatory considerations, and cyber risk advisory.
Kirsten Maley, director of claims for Cowbell, said the hire reflects the company’s focus on the local market. “Her deep expertise in cyber claims and incident response, combined with her understanding of the Australian market, will further strengthen our ability to provide responsive, specialist support when our customers need it most,” Maley said. The appointment is part of Cowbell’s continued expansion in Australia, where the company focuses on coverage for small and medium-sized enterprises.
National law firm Meridian Lawyers has appointed Natasha Stojanovich (pictured) as principal lawyer and co-practice group leader of its Professional and Financial Risks Group, according to an August 13 media release. She is set to join the firm on August 31, based in Melbourne. Stojanovich brings more than 15 years of experience defending complex professional indemnity claims, with a focus on matters involving non-compliant building products and flammable cladding. She acts for Australian and London insurers, reinsurers, listed and multinational companies, statutory authorities, government departments, and councils. Her practice covers disputes involving architects, engineers, building surveyors, builders, valuers, and real estate agents. She has appeared in the Federal, Supreme, and County Courts, and at VCAT and has defended class actions. Stojanovich is ranked by Best Lawyers in Construction/Infrastructure and Insurance (2026), The Asia Pacific Legal 500 in Insurance, and Doyle’s Guide in Construction and Insurance.
Meridian managing director Paul Baker said the appointment broadens the firm’s capabilities in a complex area of practice. “Natasha’s appointment adds significant depth to our Professional and Financial Risks Group and extends the support we provide to clients in areas of increasing complexity and demand,” Baker said. Stojanovich will join principal lawyers Marcus O’Brien, Robert Crittenden, Stephanie Weeks, Matthew Pokarier, Jacinta Long, and Cameron Solley as part of the senior leadership team for Meridian’s national Professional and Financial Risks Group. Meridian Lawyers operates across six offices – Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, and Sydney – with more than 270 staff and 33 principal lawyers.
